Monterey Spine & Joint

Doctors are fine but support staff is among the worst I’ve dealt with. Good luck ever getting a call back if you ever leave a message. Never allowed to talk to anyone over the phone other than the dim-​witted front desk people who are of zero help.

Very bad experience with Monterey Spine and Joint. He was referred to them by my husbands Doctor. Saw Dr. Dimitrov (in for 20 minutes at the most), got a huge bill. Cypress Medical does not know how to bill for Anthem Blue Cross California Coverage. He sent us to Dr. Chang, Chang to Dr. Wong, Wong back to Chang. Chang wanted to put 3 machines in him. The diagnosis was Nueropathy, besides all the back problems for working at The Herald for 45 years (now the Herald is another horrible story, if you work there… Run while you can!) We called and cancelled all appointments we had with them. Before you give someone a «block» you have to have it approved by the the Insurance Co. Do we know that a needle is a block? Well… no…we are not Doctors. My advice if you possibly can stay away… don’t go to Monterey Spine and Joint in Monterey.

Sohrab Gollogly M.D. is a phenomenal orthopedic surgeon and a caring human being. I also had an additional surgeon, Dragan Dimitrov, MD a neurosurgeon who is also a phenomenal surgeon and person.
I wanted to have surgery to get back into extreme fitness through Krav Maga. And I needed surgery from somebody capable of helping me accomplish my goal. I brought with me an complication that is atypical. Well I am now back to my fitness level and been going strong since recovery. He understands fitness and the need for people to have it.
If you want to remain active I highly recommend this facility.
The prices are competitive and the service is beyond excellent.

Take your business somewhere else.

That was the strangest doctor’s appointment I have ever been to. I’m giving three stars because I’m assuming since they have a medical license, I got some sort of correct evaluation. I broke my hand a couple of days ago and was referred to Dr. Gollogly to follow up. First of all, I arrived 15 minutes early for my morning appointment and the receptionist informed us (my mother joined me) that Dr. G was running late. Fine, no biggie. We waited 45 minutes to be seen, we’re finally called back and gave the friendly nurse general information. Dr. Gollogly came in a few minutes later. He didn’t introduce himself, say hello, or really acknowledge our existence for several moments when he opened with, «So. What’d you do?» I explained and he fell silent. Okay. Still no biggie. He looked up my X-​rays that had been taken at the ER and began taking pictures of them with his cell phone. Awkward silence pursues before he finally opens his mouth again to say, «I’m sending this to my surgeon partner.» I sit there in yet more silence and finally have to probe, «So do you think I need surgery?» Dr. G in his many words says, «I don’t think so, just need a second opinion.» okay, excellent. The room fell silent once more. He leaves for a moment and returns with a brace, sits down in front of me and starts unwrapping my splinted hand. He doesn’t explain what’s wrong with my hand or how he thinks it will heal, but he’s certain to tell me the pros and cons of a brace, «the good thing about this is you can take it off, the bad thing; you can take it off.» And that’s it! That’s all the medical information Dr. Gollogly gave me on my broken hand! He made both my mother and I very uncomfortable. He exits with, «See you in six weeks.» Sorry Dr. G. No, you won’t.

Everything they told me was basically if we can’t do surgery we don’t make money and you don’t get pain relief.
Turns out I have arthritis in my lower back and well that can’t be repaired by surgery so they can’t help me. Received my bill for no answers and a handout pamphlet with stretching instructions. My bill $ 429.00 equals 0 results.

I saw 2 doctors in the office 2 years apart both doctors did absolutely nothing but offend me by insinuating all I wanted were pain killers. The only thing I & others who I’ve told my experience to can think of is they stereotyped me because of my style of clothes. I wear a style of clothing that some people may find «thug»…I wear Jordan brand clothing, shoes & hats all the time. It’s my style and I love it… I’m not a thug… I’m a family man with 2 toddlers and great wife. We go to places like children’s museums and parks not parties and clubs. After all these years it still bothers me and my wife finally convinced me to use my voice. Hopefully it will help even just one person. Here are my experiences:
Doctor #1: I went to Dr. Wong for severe back & neck pain… he gave me 2 shots (he failed on the first attempt) and never followed up with physical therapy. His first words to me were: «I’m not giving you pain medication»…I literally replied with «Hi my name is…» that was almost 3 years ago. He was the first doctor I visited to try and find out what was wrong with me… he bandaid-​ed my pain & very clearly brushed me off as a pill popper. I have since been diagnosed with a «real» auto-​immune disorder that attacks the spine & neck, taking medication to stop the progression & help with the severe pain caused by inflammation throughout my entire body… I’m not taking pain medication daily anymore which is what I wanted all along. I have 2 small children & want to enjoy them not live in a fog because I have to take strong pain medication just to get by. He didn’t want to hear that… if he really knew his job… if he really took the time to learn about diseases/​conditions of the spine… he would have known the symptoms may have been from the condition that I had. The doctor I have now… looked at one MRI and diagnosed me… she said the doctor’s in her practice are constantly learning… I think all doctor’s should never stop learning.
Doctor #2: Dr. Chang was even WORSE! During the 2 years of searching for a doctor who could find out what was wrong with me… I suffered from severe pain. Pain all over my body… my primary doctor sent me to Dr. Chang (we hesitated because of our experience with Dr. Wong) who specializes in Pain Management. I had an appt scheduled 6 weeks out with a Rheumatologist in Stanford but my doctor didn’t want me to suffer for 6 weeks in pain. I agreed to see Dr. Chang who can offer some relief in the mean time. He would not help… he kept repeating himself «it’s good that you’re going to see a doctor in Stanford… stick with that appt.» and my wife would follow with «Dr. Chang we are excited about that appt but my husband cannot continue in pain like this for the next 6 weeks. We are asking you to help him with some TEMPORARY relief… however you want to administer it… spinal, shot, pills.» He wouldn’t…we spent 20 minutes with him for him to do NOTHING! I walked out of his office in the same extreme pain I walked in. Doctors are supposed to help… if they don’t know what or how to help… say that… I’ll respect you more if you tell me Mr. so & so I’m sorry I don’t know what is wrong with you or how to help you then someone who brushes me off as a person seeking out pain medication. He also kept repeating himself «I can’t give you any drugs.» I didn’t just want drugs… I wanted a diagnosis… I wanted to get better so I can enjoy my wife & kids but I was there to see him for PAIN MANAGEMENT. I don’t understand a Pain Management Doctor who can’t give any drugs… I wanted relief… not just drugs. If I was referred by a physician perhaps I’m not just a typical junkie. I was just as offended by him as I was Dr. Wong. My primary doctor ultimately offered me temporary relief in his office… he had hopes the pain management doctor would have better solutions than the medication he gave me because it is hard on the organs but it was only for 6 weeks. That’s how I survived those 6 weeks in pain with the help of my primary doctor.
Thankfully (I say thankfully because I finally know) I was diagnosed with a disease named Ankylosing Spondylitis… receiving the treatment I need (not just pain pills) & on the long, long road to improving my quality of life. I hope the doctors of this practice read these reviews & this opens their eyes even if just a little bit. Not all patients, no matter their appearance are junkies because they want pain relief. Some are genuinely in pain and genuinely want to get better but need pain relief in the meantime… that was my case. My appearance should never sway a person’s opinion about me. I may wear basketball shorts with the matching shirts & shoes but I’m also wearing a wedding ring holding the hand of my 2 year old or my 3 ½ year old… sometimes both and I speak with respect and use proper english. For those who are still searching for a diagnosis… just keep looking… the Dr I have now was Dr #6 but hey 6^th times a charm!

Not worth it! they do not know what they are doing in billing cause they keep telling me i owe them money when i don’t and send me random bills from months ago! do not waste your time or money

After suffering with lower back pain for over 5 years, I was recommended to Dr. Sohrab Gollogly. by another patient who recently had surgery by him. Dr. Gollogly explained my diagnosis of spondylolisthesis grade 2 L4, L5, and explained the surgical procedure, and recovery time. His surgical assistant, Jennifer, was efficient, friendly and explained the process prior to surgery. Within 2 weeks prior to surgery, I was contacted by CHOMP PA and Nurses to evaluate my health history and schedule testing prior to the day. The day of I was prepared by caring staff and visited by a reassuring Dr. Gollogly. He even took the time to call my daughter who lives out of town prior to surgery and after. A few hours after surgery, I was up walking and could finally feel my legs and feet on the floor. I was sent home in 4 days. Dr. Gollogly ordered in home after care which involves visits by a physical therapist 2x a week and a registered nurse. I am in my 3^rd week of recovery and take 2 –3 advil during the day and 1 Norco at night. for light pain. I can walk unassisted and drive short distances. The staff enabled a «Patient Portal» where I can request appointments, med refills lab results, all on line. Hopefully, without any setbacks, I will continue to improve. I am looking forward to an active life I once enjoyed. Dr. Gollogly and staff at Monterey Spine, and CHOMP are the best, and I highly recommend them.

I’ve seen 2 Doctors at this clinic, and have been pleased with both. Staff needs to be better about follow up and follow through. I feel like I’ve been left hanging by the screaming nerve!

Dr. Dimitrov was the neurosurgeon for my back and sacral surgeries, and was excellent in every way. He was experienced and knowledgeable about the procedures, and provided accurate and realistic descriptions of possible outcomes. Follow-​up in the hospital was excellent and all my questions were answered. I would highly recommend Dr. Dimitrov.

Dr. Deldar was fabulous! He really took the time to understand my issue and explain the plan of treatment. Very attentive and personal, I highly recommend Dr. Deldar!

The practice is well run and my doctor is Dr. Deldar. He is extremely knowledgable and thorough in his exams and works with me in planning and deciding what to do. I have had 2 epidural steroid injections from him now and he always follows up with a personal call a week after, and the receptionists call a couple days after the injection to make sure everything goes smoothly. He is very concerned for my well-​being and is driven to improve the pain. He is willing to refer me to a surgeon if that’s what it takes, but is very motivated to try everything he can to keep me from going under the knife. I have had a truly perfect experience so far with Dr. Deldar. He is newer to the practice, but definitely becoming one of the best in my opinion especially if you want to avoid surgery and are willing to do physical therapy or injections instead.

Monterey Spine & Joint needs training in family partnerships in care planning. Surgeons are accessible before surgery, returning phone calls and working closely with the family. After surgery, buh-​bye. Discharge planning is as critical to the recovery of a patient as the surgery itself. Repeated calls and pleas to provide the family with at least 24 hour notice before discharge orders were signed at CHOMP and at Westland House went ignored (if Sherry is your surgeon’s assistant, good luck — she was argumentative and unwilling to contact the surgeon even when he wrote the WRONG presciption for a higher dose opoid). Medication management was non-​existent. Recommendations for aftercare like pulling teeth. Not a lot of options on the Monterey Peninsula. Surgery relieved pain but discharge planning and after care created a different level of pain and suffering for the family.

I saw Dr. Lin, who was most excellent in every way possible. He explained my condition and the options available, and was happy to answer all my questions.
The procedure he performed, in office, was expertly done. He explained what he was doing and why. Overall an excellent experience.

My husband’s recent experience with this office was very positive. He saw Dr Deldar about knee pain. Dr. Deldar was concerned about his pain level and wanted to try non-​surgical approaches first. Ken had 4 gel injections that seem to have solved the problem (at least for now). We were always seen promptly. I have nothing to say about the billing procedures because we are on Medicare. We will certainly go back to this office if there are future problems.

Bad experience with Dr. Meckle a few years ago, I feel like I’m still paying for it. I waited a very long time to see the doctor and when it was my turn I only got about 10 minutes with him and the response in end was basically «hey listen you can get surgery or not, it might help it might not, who knows».

Dr. Samera Kasim and staff are awesome! I hope I don’t break anymore bones but if I did she would be my doctor!

I saw Dr. Scott Smith a total of 3 times. He had great bedside manners the initial visit. I took 3 x-​rays and was told to come back after having an MRI done. The next 2 times I went back I waited in the waiting room for over an hour and a half. He would talk about doing procedures and never spoke of the price. Which was outrageous! He charged $ 400 to remove a wart! His diagnosis did not correct my problem but he was able to get over $ 1500 from me! And he would never ask if I had any questions. He would leave the room without a word and not come back in. I had to ask the nurse if I was done and if I had to make follow up appointments. Very unprofessional and extremely over priced! Do not go here!

This review is strictly for my first meeting with Dr. Meckel. The office was professional, and my wait wasn’t too long. Dr Meckel was friendly and asked me why I wanted a knee replacement. After x-​rays were taken, he spent a generous amount of his time answering all of my questions. He was patient and I walked out with a wealth of information. I’ll do a little more research, but my gut feeling is I will use him. Yes, I’ve heard of great surgeons who are in the Bay Area, but I got to thinking… what a pain it would be to have to drive 4 hours round-​trip for checkups. I think I’ll stay local.